The Last Great Senator: Robert C. Byrd's Encounters with Eleven U.S. Presidents: 17 (West Virginia & Appalachia Series)

Excellent turn round for this book in great condition.

This is, without question one of the best books I have ever read. There is so much history in it, yet it is easy, even enjoyable to read. I have read Dr. Corbin's two books on the southern West Virginia coal miners, so I expected to learn a lot of Byrd's youthful background in the coal fields, and I did. It was fascinating to read just how humble Byrd's childhood background really was, and to read of his real, well-documented experiences in the coalfields. This is in contrast to the one everyone thinks they know. But once Byrd is elected to the U.S. Senate in 1958, the book becomes more intriguing. It is no longer just a biography of Byrd but an account of encounters with the presidents--eleven of them, from Eisenhower to Obama. That is one-fourth of all the presidents in American history. I agree with the statement by former Republican Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker on the book's dust jacket that this book should become a "must read" for people interested not only in Senator Byrd, but the American presidents as well as the U.S. Senate. I easily give it five stars. I would give it more if I could.

This is an excellent book giving an insight into history as well as describing the life of an American Icon and explaining why he did things. He demonstrates how attitudes and opinions can change over time. Going from a hawk during Vietnam to realizing he had been lied to by Johnson and refusing to buy into Bushes lies about Iraq.

This book is incredible. It is so interesting. David Corbin is very knowledgeable. I highly recommend the book.

My husband received this as a gift for Christmas and he loved it. He stated that this is a book everyone should read.